Mountain Rendezvous
Jul 5, 2013
The Muzzle Loaders of the Black Hills held their annual rendezvous last month at Flag Mountain/Hughes Draw, northwest of Hill City. At the rendezvous, a primitive camp, club members show what life was like in America before 1840.
The public is welcome, but to partake in events like black powder shooting, primitive archery and knife and tomahawk throwing, historical clothing is required. That’s not as daunting as it sounds, according to Paul Nelson, club member. “As long as people make a good-faith effort to give the appearance of pre-1840, that is good enough. We are always happy to introduce new people to our hobby and we all have extra clothes and gear to loan, sell, or give away.”
The club also explores the past at their monthly meetings at Cabela’s in Rapid City, monthly muzzle loader shoots and other events throughout the year. To learn more about the Muzzle Loaders of the Black Hills and their activities, visit their website, www.muzzleloadersoftheblackhills.com.
Photos by Trisha Schmelz.
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No campers allowed! The Muzzle Loaders of the Black Hills do their camping in canvas tents. -
Stephanie Ross of Casper, Wyoming brandishes a period firearm. -
Karen Boland of Hill City. -
Paul and Derek Nelson’s British camp. -
America’s colonial past is an era of personal interest for the Nelsons. “We are paying tribute to several of my wife's ancestors who came to the colonies before the Revolutionary War, fought on the side of the British, and were ultimately forced to resettle in Canada,” says Paul. -
Duane Nickel, booshway (head man) of the 2013 Black Hills Rendezvous. -
Pictured here (from left to right): Greg Schumacher, Guy Donley, Greg Schmelz, Dave Bookout, Lane Prang and Duane Nickel. -
The camp features demonstrations of period crafts for the whole family, such as dutch oven cooking, blacksmithing, candlemaking, basketweaving, arrowmaking and flintknapping. -
Club members Dave Bookout, Greg Schmelz and his dog Hawken. -
Kids are welcome at the rendezvous. Rocky Schmelz, Indeera Schmelz, Chad Beaman, Justina Schmelz and Tatum Schmelz attempt a sack race. -
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Rendezvous camp at sunset.
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